More by Sam Carchidi

Ron Hextall, the one-time star goalie with a flair for the dramatic, is returning to the Flyers.

Hextall, 49, was named an assistant GM and director of hockey operations, the Flyers announced Monday. He will start with the team on Aug. 1.

"I'm going with my gut," Hextall said of his decision.

Chris Pryor, who had been the team's director of hockey operations, will remain in the same capacity, but his title will change to director of scouting.

As a goalie, Hextall spent 11 seasons with the Flyers. He later spent seven years with the team as a scout and director of pro hockey personnel before becoming vice president and assistant GM with the Los Angeles Kings in 2006-07.

The Kings, with many ex-Flyers in the lineup, won the Stanley Cup in 2012.

“He’s probably the most highly thought-of guy who is not a general manager," GM Paul Holmgren said. "To add him to our staff is huge.”

Holmgren said he “absolutely” sees Hextall as a future GM. He said Hextall's "knowledge of building teams from the ground up….the things he learned in L.A. will be helpful to us.”

In a conference call, Hextall made it clear he wants to be a GM some day.

"If that were to work out at some point when Homer’s had enough, that’s great," he said, referring to Holmgren by nickname. "It could happen at 29 other places, too."

Hextall’s family wanted to move back to the East Coast, and Philly is home to them, Holmgren said. Holmgren added that he and Hextall have been close over the years and “the timing seemed right.”

Hextall’s contract with LA expired at the end of June, Holmgren said, adding that he talked with Hextall after the NHL draft in Newark “and things evolved from there.”

Holmgren said Hextall was given a multi-year pact, but he would not be specific when asked about the length.

In 2008, Hextall became the 19th member inducted into the Flyers' Hall of Fame.